Part of the state’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the Waterloo South renewal is set to become Australia’s largest public housing redevelopment. The proposal sets out a vision that could enable around 3,300 new homes, where at least half would be delivered as social or affordable housing. This will more than double the number of social and affordable homes currently on the site.
The new homes will sit alongside transport, local shops and cafés, a new supermarket, essential services, and community facilities designed to support health, wellbeing and social connection. Its location directly beside Waterloo metro station is also expected to make the precinct one of the city’s most connected new neighbourhoods.
Central to the proposal are two new public parks, including a two-hectare "central park" and a smaller community park, which will form the heart of the new Waterloo South and provide welcoming places for people to relax, gather and connect on Gadigal land.
The planning documents place strong emphasis on “Designing with Country,” recognising the site’s location on Gadigal land. The masterplan incorporates new east-west pedestrian links, activated streetscapes, rooftop communal spaces, retail frontages, and landscaped public areas intended to improve permeability and community connection throughout the estate.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “This concept DA brings thousands of new public, affordable and market homes on the doorstep of the Waterloo Metro station another step closer to reality. Importantly, alongside the new homes the plan also proposes new open space where residents and the broader community can gather, relax and play.".
The Urban Design Report describes the vision as creating “a unique and vibrant mixed-tenure housing precinct that supports the needs of the community and delivers much needed housing in response to National and State Government priorities.”
Originally announced back in 2015, the renewal project has been in the pipeline for a good few years. Since 2023, the government says it has fully funded the project, completed the first stage of resident relocations and have partnered with Stockland and NSW Homes to lodge the Concept State Significant Development Application alongside an updated rezoning proposal.
Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta said, “As delivery partner, Stockland is proud to be working with the NSW Government on the renewal of Waterloo South – a significant project with community at its heart. The Concept Plan sets the framework for a liveable and inclusive neighbourhood with new social, affordable and market housing, supported by parks, services and community infrastructure."